SHGs create employment in Punjab villages: Minister

Punjab government has empower edmany poor households across the state by providing access to self-employment opportunities under National Rural Livelihood Mission, a state minister said today.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Sikander Singh Maluka, while elaborating on the composition of beneficiaries, said it includes 50 per cent of SC and ST, 50 per cent of women, 15 per cent minorities and 3 per cent are people with disabilities.

During the first phase 12 blocks in 5 districts across the state had been selected for implementation,an official release quoting the Minister said.

"Here, Self Help Groups (SHGs) were established to initiate creation of improved and sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor," he said.

The districts covered included Tarn Tara with 55 SHGs, Gurdaspur with 80, Patiala with 92, Sangrur with 63 and Ferozepur with 86.

He said that to accelerate the achievement of a total target of 1,000 SHGs created in the state, new staff has been recruited and a revolving fund provided to SHGs on the basis of their monthly savings.